INFLUENCER’S STORIES
My Journey
When I began navigating the world of X (formerly known as Twitter), I was captivated by its potential.
A platform with millions of active users, all engaged in conversations about ideas, technology, and everything in between, was the perfect space for someone like me, passionate about IoT, smart cities, and entrepreneurship.
But let me be honest: figuring out how to grow my presence wasn’t a straightforward journey.
It required persistence, experimentation, and, most importantly, understanding what my audience valued.
Let me take you through my journey of discovering the best practices for growing on X, peppered with a bit of self-dialogue.
Step 1: Crafting a Magnetic Profile
“Why should anyone follow me?” I remember asking myself this question while staring at my barren X profile years ago.
The first step to drawing people in was to communicate my value.
I began with my profile banner. It needed to tell a story – my story.
A simple image highlighting my work with FAVORIOT and my role as an IoT advocate made an immediate impact.
Next, the bio. “What do I stand for? What can I offer?”
To attract the right audience, I crafted a concise description of my expertise, including key terms like IoT, smart cities, and entrepreneurship.
The final touch? A pinned post.
This became my digital billboard.
Whenever I had a significant announcement – whether about a new IoT project, an insightful article, or even a speaking engagement – it went there.
Step 2: Engaging with the Giants
“Why waste time commenting on posts by big names? They won’t notice me,” I thought initially.
But I was wrong.
I decided to step out of my comfort zone.
I began following influential figures in IoT and technology. Whenever they posted, I didn’t just ‘like’ or retweet; I added value.
If someone tweeted about IoT’s role in agriculture, I’d share my perspective or a relevant case study.
To my surprise, my comments started gaining traction.
Other followers noticed my contributions, and occasionally, the original poster replied.
I learned a simple truth: the more visible you are in meaningful conversations, the more likely you attract followers who resonate with your insights.
Step 3: Creating Value-Driven Content
“What do people want to see from me?” This question guided my content creation.
I realised that my audience wasn’t just interested in IoT – they wanted to learn, be inspired, and sometimes entertained.
I started experimenting with different content formats:
• How-To Guides: People loved practical advice. I shared tips like “How to Start Your IoT Journey” or “Three Ways IoT Can Transform Small Businesses.”
• Personal Stories: Sharing my struggles and triumphs – like the challenges of penetrating the smart cities market – resonated deeply.
• Lists: I posted quick, digestible tips, such as “5 Tools Every IoT Developer Needs.”
• Contrarian Takes: Occasionally, I’d challenge popular narratives, sparking thought-provoking discussions.
• Case Studies: Breaking down real-world examples of IoT applications showcased my expertise while providing value.
Every post was an opportunity to build trust and credibility.
I reminded myself that consistency was key.
Some posts didn’t perform well, but others exceeded expectations.
It was a learning process, and I embraced it.
Step 4: Embracing Video Content
“Do I need to be on camera?” I asked myself.
However, I realised that videos were becoming the future of content consumption. People wanted to see faces, hear voices, and connect more deeply.
I began creating short videos – sharing IoT tips, discussing trends, and answering common questions.
My initial attempts were far from perfect, but the engagement was undeniable.
Videos kept people on my posts longer, which boosted their reach.
Step 5: Riding the Wave of Trends
“Why should I care about trends? My niche is IoT,” I initially thought.
But then it hit me – trending topics were an opportunity to align my expertise with what people were already discussing.
For example, when a conversation about AI’s impact on the environment was trending, I joined in with my insights on how IoT complements green initiatives.
The result? More engagement and new followers who shared my interests.
Step 6: Leveraging Templates That Work
Over time, I noticed specific post structures performed better than others. These weren’t just random observations; they were patterns worth replicating:
• Predictions: Forecasting trends like the future of smart cities got people talking.
• Challenges: Asking my audience to share their IoT success stories increased interaction.
Each format served a purpose, keeping my content fresh and engaging.
The Takeaway
Growing on X isn’t about chasing followers.
It’s about building a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and value your insights.
My journey on X has taught me that authenticity, consistency, and adaptability are the keys to success.
I often remind myself of a question I initially asked: “Why should anyone follow me?”
Every piece of content I create, every interaction I engage in, and every trend I ride is guided by the answer to that question.
And as long as I stay true to my purpose, I know the journey will continue to be rewarding.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 